Ramsey Resident - 2016 - March/April

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Gita tfc%rri;tist�atoic s Co,ire,c An Effective Organization Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator Like any outstanding organization, the City of Ramsey relies on well-trained, dependable employees, working within a supportive environment, to provide excellent service to its customers. Consequently, building and maintaining an effec- tive organization has been identified as a key goal of the City. The City has made several important technology invest- ments that will make our community safer, and our employees more effective and efficient. In November, every police and fire agency in Anoka County transitioned to the Public Safety Data System records management program. The system inte- grates with the 911 dispatch system and the state and federal reporting systems, and allows for improved data analysis and reporting. Ramsey Police patrol cars are now equipped with digital audio and high definition video recording equipment as well as mobile computers, access to multiple data systems, GPS mapping, and automated vehicle locators. Likewise, City snowplow trucks are now equipped with GPS devices that allow us to record when and where streets have been plowed. Enhanced sensors and weather data also save on salt and other supplies used for winter ice control. To improve service for our contractors and homeowners, electronic building permitw (ePermits) are coming soon to the Building Division. This system will improve processing with the convenience of 24/7 access to building permit appli- cations. Finally, one of the keys to the effectiveness of our organi- zation is our staff leadership, and making effective leadership transitions. For example, last year Ramsey Police Chief Jim Way retired after serving the Ramsey Police Department for 30 years, making his departure a significant event. Fortunate- ly, we found an excellent successor, promoting Captain Jeff Katers to the Chief position in February, 2015. The City is currently preparing for another significant transition with the upcoming retirement of Fire Chief Dean Kapler. Chief Kapler has given 28 years of excellent service to the Ramsey Fire Department and he will also leave big shoes to fill. The City has begun a rigorous recruitment process and anticipates a new Fire Chief, expected to start in April. If you are interested in finding out more about the City's efforts to build and maintain an effective organization, please check out our web site at wwwcityoframsey.com. Fire Station #2 Continued from Page 1 east side of Ramsey for a Paid -on -Call fire station. With Highway 47 and Nowthen Boulevard in close proximity for north/south movements, and Alpine Drive providing efficient movement east to west, this location is an excellent spot for a public safety hub. Public Safety as a whole was the priority early in the design phase. The new 1 -story, 12,000 square foot building will include a Ramsey Police Department sub -station and space for an Allina Ambulance vehi- cle and crew. Both satellite spaces will improve public safety services provided to the residents, businesses and travelers within the City. Additional meeting space will also allow Ramsey Fire Station #2 to serve as a new location for community activities such as election polling, pet clinics and other events. The estimated project cost of $3.9 million is funded through General Obligation (GO) Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) bonds, which are backed by the City's general tax base. The multi -discipline building is an example of collaboration between public safety entities, both within the City's structure (Police and Fire Depart- ments) and outside (Allina Transportation), giving residents the best value for expenditures put forth on the building. The new Fire Station #2 building has been carefully planned to ensure it enhances the City's ability to provide effective and efficient delivery of fire protection and emergency response services to Ramsey residents, today and into the future. Snowplow Reminder. It's winter and that means, it's snowplowing season! Garbage cans and recy- cling containers should be kept off the street. Plac- ing them in the driveway or behind the curb allows snowplow drivers to plow curb -to -curb and lessens the chance of tipping over containers. Thank you for your cooperation. Ramsey Resident • March/April 2016